A variable height sub-instrument structure and vehicle

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of automotive technology and discloses a variable-height sub-instrument panel structure and vehicle. The structure includes several layers of sub-instrument panel assemblies, with each layer connected to the others and the first layer connected to the vehicle body via connectors. Each connector includes a pair of opposing sleeves that fit together, each having an internal filling space. A filling assembly connects to the filling space via a pipe, filling the space with gas or liquid to extend the connectors and raise the sub-instrument panel as a whole. This invention provides a sub-instrument panel that can be raised in height during a collision, providing strong support for the centrally located airbag in a side collision without increasing the airbag volume. It also helps prevent direct contact between occupants. This structure also reduces the required lateral distance between occupants, significantly improving safety performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive technology, and in particular to a variable height sub-instrument structure and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive crash safety performance has always been a major concern for consumers. To meet customer demand and boost sales, automakers typically require new models to meet the C-NCAP 5-star standard. Currently, remote occupant protection is included in the crash test, accounting for 4 points. In many cases, this score directly impacts achieving the 5-star target, making remote occupant protection a crucial aspect of regulatory compliance.

[0003] Under the new regulations and operating conditions, automakers are actively taking various measures to improve the performance of remote protection. Firstly, they are adding center-mounted airbags. In a side pole collision, this airbag, deployed via a collision signal, effectively prevents direct head contact between the two front occupants and reduces the head displacement of the rear occupant. However, relying solely on this airbag to completely avoid penalties requires a large airbag volume and may involve multi-stage, multi-chamber designs, resulting in significant development costs. Another measure is ensuring sufficient distance between occupants. However, this not only affects the vehicle's main dimensions but also the ergonomics, thus significantly limiting its implementation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a variable-height sub-instrument structure and vehicle. The sub-instrument, which can be raised in height during a collision, can provide strong support for the centrally located airbag in a side collision without increasing the airbag volume, and it also prevents direct contact between occupants.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, a variable-height sub-instrument panel structure includes:

[0007] Several layers of sub-instrument panel assembly are connected to each other and to the vehicle body via connectors; the connectors include a pair of oppositely arranged sleeves that fit together and have a filling space inside.

[0008] The filling assembly is connected to the filling space via a pipeline. The filling assembly fills the filling space with gas or liquid to extend the connecting parts and raise the sub-instrument panel as a whole.

[0009] As a further implementation, each set of the connecting members includes an upper sleeve and a lower sleeve, with openings at their opposite ends, and the upper sleeve is slidably fitted onto the lower sleeve.

[0010] As a further implementation, the opposite ends of the upper and lower sleeve components are connected to the vehicle body or sub-instrument panel assembly via a connecting plate.

[0011] As a further implementation, the connecting plate is rectangular and has mounting holes.

[0012] As a further implementation, a sealing ring is provided between the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve.

[0013] As a further implementation, the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve are internally connected by a spring.

[0014] As a further implementation, the spring connection is located between the connecting plate of the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve.

[0015] As a further implementation, the filling assembly includes a high-pressure gas cylinder, which is connected to a sleeve via a pipeline with a solenoid valve, and the solenoid valve is connected to an execution control unit.

[0016] As a further implementation, the filling assembly includes a water tank, a water pump is installed inside the water tank, the water pump is connected to a sleeve through a pipeline, and the water pump is connected to an execution control unit.

[0017] Secondly, a vehicle is provided with a variable-height sub-instrument structure as described above. In the event of a collision, the vehicle's overall control unit sends a collision signal to the execution control unit of the filling component. The execution control unit then issues a command to activate the filling component, thereby raising the sub-instrument as a whole.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] 1. This invention features a sub-dashboard that can be raised in height during a collision, providing strong support for the centrally located airbag in a side impact without increasing the airbag volume. It also prevents direct contact between occupants. This structure reduces the required lateral distance between occupants, significantly improving safety performance.

[0020] 2. The connector of the present invention is composed of an upper sleeve and a lower sleeve connected together. It can not only serve as a connector for different sub-instrument panel components through the connecting plate, but also communicate with the filling component. In the event of a collision, it can serve as a lifting component for the sub-instrument panel, so that the height of the sub-instrument panel can be raised quickly during a collision to ensure safety. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the sub-instrument panel in the combined state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the sub-instrument panel in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sub-instrument panel connection structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connector structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connector and filling assembly in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The diagram exaggerates the spacing or dimensions between parts to show their positions; the diagram is for illustrative purposes only.

[0028] Wherein: 1-Sub-instrument panel first component assembly; 2-Sub-instrument panel second component assembly; 3-Sub-instrument panel third component assembly; 4-Body body; 5-Connector; 51-Upper sleeve; 52-Lower sleeve; 53-Upper connecting plate; 54-Lower connecting plate; 55-Upper mounting hole; 56-Lower mounting hole; 57-Sealing ring; 58-Spring; 6-Filling assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0029] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figures 1-5 As shown, a variable height sub-instrument structure includes several layers of sub-instrument component assemblies, and each layer of sub-instrument component assembly is connected to the other layers and the first layer of sub-instrument component assembly is connected to the vehicle body 4 via connectors 5.

[0032] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the sub-dashboard in this embodiment includes three layers: the first layer is the first component assembly 1 of the sub-dashboard, the second layer is the second component assembly 2 of the sub-dashboard, and the third layer is the third component assembly 3 of the sub-dashboard.

[0033] The first sub-dashboard assembly 1 of the first layer is connected to the vehicle body 4 via several connectors 5. The second sub-dashboard assembly 2 of the second layer is located above the first sub-dashboard assembly 1 and is connected to it via connectors 5. The second sub-dashboard assembly 2 and the third sub-dashboard assembly 3 above it are connected to each other via connectors 5. In other examples, the sub-dashboard assembly has only two layers.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the connector 5 includes a pair of oppositely arranged sleeves that fit together and have an internal filling space. Each set of connectors 5 includes an upper sleeve 51 and a lower sleeve 52. The opposite ends of the upper sleeve 51 and the lower sleeve 52 are open, and the other end is provided with a connecting plate for sealing. The upper sleeve 51 is slidably fitted onto the lower sleeve 52.

[0035] Specifically, the opening of the upper sleeve 51 faces downward, and the opening of the lower sleeve 52 faces upward. The top of the upper sleeve 51 is the upper connecting plate 53, and the bottom of the lower sleeve is the lower connecting plate 54. It is connected to the upper assembly through the upper connecting plate 53, and to the lower assembly or the vehicle body 4 through the lower connecting plate 54.

[0036] The upper connecting plate 53 and the lower connecting plate 54 are rectangular and are respectively provided with upper mounting holes 55 and lower mounting holes 56. They are connected to the assembly through mounting holes and bolt assemblies.

[0037] In other examples, the connection between the connecting plate and the assembly can also be achieved through solder joints, riveting, welding, etc.

[0038] The upper sleeve 51 and the lower sleeve 52 are nested together, forming an internal space for filling. A sealing ring 57 is provided between the upper sleeve 51 and the lower sleeve 52 to achieve a sealed fit.

[0039] The upper sleeve 51 and the lower sleeve 52 are connected internally by a spring 58. The spring 58 is connected between the connecting plates of the upper sleeve 51 and the lower sleeve 52. Specifically, one end of the spring 58 is connected to the upper connecting plate 53 and the other end is connected to the lower connecting plate 54. In its natural state, the spring 58 has a tendency to pull the upper sleeve 51 and the lower sleeve 52 closer to each other.

[0040] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the filling assembly 6 is connected to the filling space through a pipeline. The filling assembly 6 fills the filling space with gas or liquid to extend the connecting parts and raise the sub-instrument panel as a whole.

[0041] In an optional example, the filling component 6 can be a high-pressure gas cylinder, which is connected to the sleeve via a pipeline with a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is connected to the execution control unit, and the end of the pipeline is connected to the lower part of the lower sleeve. Alternatively, it can be connected to the internal filling space via a lower connecting plate, but this should not affect the installation between the lower connecting plate and other structures.

[0042] In an optional example, the filling assembly includes a water tank containing a water pump, which is connected to a sleeve via a pipe and to an execution control unit.

[0043] The execution control unit on the vehicle body can issue a charging component start command based on the collision signal sent by the vehicle's overall control unit, thereby realizing the filling of the internal filling space of the sleeve component.

[0044] Specifically, after a side impact, the vehicle control unit instantly sends a collision signal to the execution control unit. The hydraulic execution control unit executes the corresponding command, opening the solenoid valve of the water pump or high-pressure gas cylinder to fill the filling space between the upper sleeve 51 and the lower sleeve 52 with gas or water. Under pressure, the upper sleeve 51 and the lower sleeve 52 move away from each other, causing the connecting piece 5 to extend as a whole. This, in turn, raises the entire sub-instrument panel structure.

[0045] When the high-pressure gas cylinder is selected for filling component 6, the solenoid valve opens, allowing gas to enter the connector and causing it to extend. This elevates the multi-layer sub-instrument panel assembly, stretching the spring to its maximum extent. Similarly, the water pump delivers water to the connector, also causing it to extend.

[0046] Understandably, if connector 5 is damaged after a collision, it will need to be replaced during vehicle repair. The water pressure in the tank or the gas pressure in the cylinder should be determined based on actual needs. If spring 58 is not broken, or the connection between the spring and the connecting plate is not severed, the connector can be considered usable. A sealing cap can be installed on the connecting plate; opening the cap to release pressure will allow the connector to return to its initial height.

[0047] Understandably, the degree of filling of the filling component 6, that is, the height of the sub-instrument panel, is determined by the strength of the acceleration signal during the side collision sent by the vehicle control unit.

[0048] This embodiment features a sub-dashboard that can be raised as a whole during a collision. This provides strong support for the centrally located airbag in a side impact without increasing the airbag's volume, and it also prevents direct contact between occupants. This structure also reduces the required lateral distance between occupants, significantly improving safety performance without compromising ergonomics.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figures 1-5 As shown, a vehicle is equipped with a variable-height sub-instrument panel structure according to Embodiment 1. The sub-instrument panel assembly and the inflating component are installed at a designated location on the vehicle body. In the event of a collision, the vehicle's overall control unit sends a collision signal to the execution control unit of the inflating component. The execution control unit then issues a command to activate the inflating component, thereby raising the entire sub-instrument panel. This can provide strong support for the centrally located airbag in a side collision without increasing the airbag volume.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A variable-height sub-instrument panel structure, characterized in that, include: Several layers of sub-instrument panel assembly are connected to each other and to the vehicle body via connectors; the connectors include a pair of oppositely arranged sleeves that fit together and have a filling space inside. A filling assembly, which is connected to the filling space through a pipeline, fills the filling space with gas or liquid to extend the connecting parts and raise the sub-instrument panel as a whole; Each set of the connecting parts includes an upper sleeve and a lower sleeve, with openings at opposite ends of the upper and lower sleeves, and the upper sleeve is slidably fitted onto the lower sleeve; the opposite ends of the upper and lower sleeves are connected to the vehicle body or sub-instrument panel assembly via a connecting plate. A sealing ring is provided between the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve, and the interior of the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve are connected by a spring.

2. The variable height sub-instrument structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting plate is rectangular and has mounting holes.

3. The variable height sub-instrument structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring is connected between the connecting plate of the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve.

4. The variable height sub-instrument structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filling assembly includes a high-pressure gas cylinder, which is connected to a sleeve via a pipeline with a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is connected to an execution control unit.

5. The variable height sub-instrument structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filling assembly includes a water tank, a water pump is installed inside the water tank, the water pump is connected to a sleeve through a pipeline, and the water pump is connected to an execution control unit.

6. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle is equipped with a variable height sub-instrument structure as described in any one of claims 1-5. In the event of a collision, the vehicle's overall control unit sends a collision signal to the execution control unit of the filling assembly. The execution control unit then issues a command to start the filling assembly, thereby raising the sub-instrument as a whole.

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